The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed middle-order batsman Azhar Ali as the new ODI captain of Pakistan after Misbahul Haq retired from the format after Pakistan exited the World Cup following loss to eventual winners Australia in quarter-finals.
Azhar has not been part of Pakistan’s ODI setup for two years but yet the PCB believes in his ability to take the team forward.
He has been become integral part of Pakistani batting in Test format and enjoyed a spectacular outing against Australia and New Zealand last year.
The 30-year-old was also consideration to be included as third opener in Pakistan’s World Cup squad but Sarfaraz Ahmed was later given preference.
“We’ve decided to appoint Azhar Ali as the ODI captain of Pakistan because he is a clean gentleman and doesn’t involve himself in any controversy,” PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan said in a press conference.
“The board feels that he is the right candidate and thus we’ve set no time frame for his captaincy. The cricket culture in Pakistan does not allow us to name younger captains like Steve Smith or Graeme Smith which is why Azhar was named. Outstanding performer Sarfaraz will be his deputy while he will also be the vice-captain in T20 format because we want to groom him.”
Shaharyar further added that Azhar will be Misbahul Haq’s deputy in Test format.
The board also sacked Moin Khan led selection committee and instead appointed former Test cricketer Haroon Rashid as the new chief selector.
Haroon was previously serving as board’s Director Game Development but was asked to resign from his previous post before his new job.
“We’ve appointed Haroon as the new chief selector while members will be Saleem Jaffar, Kabir Khan and Azhar Khan,” Shaharyar added.
Azhar keen to prove himself as leader
Meanwhile, Azhar said that he will try to prove his capabilities as a leader after being given the responsibility by the PCB.
“It’s a new challenge for me and I would like to thank PCB which gave me the opportunity to lead Pakistan in one-dayers. I will try to prove myself as the captain with performances and results,” Azhar said.
“There are very good youngsters in the side and hopefully all will support me in this new challenge. I would like to salute Misbah because he has done a wonderful job as a captain and definitely it will not be easy to replicate what he has done. The important thing is that he will be playing in Tests otherwise there could have been a big gap to fill.”
